Allen Collins

Allen Collins joined Lynyrd Skynyrd just two weeks after Ronnie Van Zant and Gary Rossington formed the band. In the summer of 1964, they formed Lynyrd Skynyrd with Bob Burns and Larry Junstrom, specializing in Southern rock. Collins and Ronnie Van Zant co-wrote most of the band's songs, including "Free Bird," "Gimme Three Steps," and "That Smell." In 1973, the band achieved national success as the opening act for The Who on their Quadrophenia tour.